Online comparison service launched for telephony, internet and bundles

by Gozo News · January 26, 2021

An information service has been launched on the best market rates to address the needs of telecommunications consumers – Telecosts.com.

This new service by the Malta Communications Authority was launched by Minister for the Economy and Industry Silvio Schembri, who explained this will lead to a stronger telecom service for consumers, operators and the industry, with regards to information tools on the bundled packages available on the market, for a better-informed choice.

When visiting the website www.telecosts.com, consumers can conveniently compare all local tariff plans available for mobile telephony, fixed telephony, internet, as well as bundled services for telephony, internet and TV.

When visiting the portal, consumers can filter the options in the telecommunication services in accordance with their personal needs. Consumers are then provided with a list of the cheapest services offered on the market, in accordance to their preferences and needs.

Minister Silvio Schembri praised the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) for its reputation in the field of diligent regulation which promotes and facilitates continued investment and sustainable competition in the sector.

He explained that at Authority level, the government’s vision in the regulatory field is for the MCA to continue to monitor the various services offered in the sector, including fixed and mobile telephony, internet services, as well as television distribution.

When it comes to the regulation of digital services in the European Union, the journey towards intelligent connectivity is expected. This includes the introduction of the revision of roaming regulations, e-commerce rules, and the Postal Services Directive, as well as the Digital Services Act announced for Malta.

Mr Jesmond Bugeja, Chief Executive of the MCA, highlighted how the TeleCosts service will be useful in helping consumers get the most value out of their chosen service plan, by providing transparent, up-to-date and comparable information by all local service providers.

He added that, in its most recent data collection exercise for Q3 2020, the MCA recorded a total of 211,060 fixed broadband subscriptions as of September 2020, which translates into a 5.4% increase over the year before.

Meanwhile, with nearly 19,000 new takeovers from the previous quarter, mobile subscriptions reached 635,040 by the end of the reporting period, he said.